Why do rabbits flop on their backs?

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asked Nov 24, 2023 in Rabbits by gatorpics322 (900 points)
Why do rabbits flop on their backs?

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answered Jan 16 by youcalledme (8,920 points)
Rabbits flop on their backs as a sign of extreme contentment and relaxation and it indicates that the rabbits feel very comfortable and safe in their environment.

The rabbits flopping on their backs is essentially them playing dead because the rabbits trust you and are not worried about any predators and is a behavior known as a happy flop and it's a good sign of the rabbits well being.

Rabbits also sometimes flop on their backs when they're relaxed and ready to take a nap.

Male and female rabbits will also fight for a variety of reasons which include establishing their dominance within their relationship and even for competing for food and other resources if the resources are scarce.

Male and female rabbits may also fight due to mating related aggression, especially when the female rabbit is not receptive or due to hormonal changes as a result of sexual maturity, stress from environmental changes or improper introductions when they're not properly bonded.

It's crucial to neuter rabbits to minimize any fighting by reducing hormonal influences on the rabbits behavior.

Rabbits are not rodents as rabbits are mammals that are in the order of Lagomorpha.

Lagomorpha also includes pikas and hares.

On the other hand rodents are in a separate order called Rodentia which includes marmots, squirrels, rats and mice.

Rabbits also have 2 sets of upper incisors and rodents only have one set of incisors.

A rabbits incisors are also larger and more prominent than rodents incisors and has a smaller set of peg like teeth behind them.

Rabbits are also herbivores which eat grasses, leaves and other plant matter and their digestive system is adapted to high fiber diets.

Although until the early 20th century, rabbits and lagomorphs were classified as rodents but rabbits are not rodents at all.

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